'How to' guides

How to: Aeropress

31 January, 2020 By Rafi DikranianIn 'How to' guides

Whether you've been singing the praises of the AeroPress for a while now, or are totally new to this handy brewing device, Sippy has got some info for you on all things AeroPress. In this series, we'll explain all there is to know about it, including how to use it. Because we care about you, and the quality of your coffee.

What Is An AeroPress?

In the simplest possible terms, an AeroPress is a device for brewing coffee. It's a relatively new invention, debuting back in 2005. It was invented by Alan Adler. Since then, novices and professionals alike in the coffee world have fallen in love with this device.

For starters, it's fast. The brew typically takes about 30 seconds. Secondly, it' a very accessible way to brew coffee. It's not time consuming, and the AeroPress itself is far from fussy. So, if you're just beginning to explore the potential of brewing your own coffee, this is a good device to start with. Another big selling point is its portability.

With an AeroPress, you can make yourself a delicious cup of coffee almost anywhere. It's a very popular brewing device choice among travelers who are constantly on the go but want a consistently good cup of coffee.

How Does An AeroPress Work?

The AeroPress, as it is today, is comprised of four main components. There's the filter cap, the seal, the plunger, and the chamber. An AeroPress typically comes with paper filters, but you can also find a metal mesh filter that is reusable.

The device uses air pressure to extract flavor. When put together, it largely resembles a big syringe. Basically, the AeroPress is giving you a super concentrated pressed coffee. It's very close to an espresso, but it's technically not.

What's Coffee Made With An AeroPress Taste Like?

When it comes to taste, it's actually pretty hard to come across negative reviews. Users laud the device for delivering on flavor time and time again. Some have even said that it produces a better cup than their at home espresso machines, or even pour-over favorites like the Chemex.

The AeroPress produces a clear, clean cup of coffee. Since there's total immersion of the grounds during the extraction process, results are also quite robust, yet smooth. Brewing with this device will also lead to a cup lower in acidity than drip coffee, due to the shorter brew time. Overall, expect a brew that is full-bodied and flavorful, with plenty of tasting notes remaining intact. However, don't expect anything as fruity or bright as a brew produced via a pour-over method or device.

Pros Of Using An AeroPress

1. These things are almost disturbingly durable. There's no glass involved, so you don't have to

worry about anything shattering. The plastic it's made of almost seems like something discovered on another planet, it's that strong.

2. It's inexpensive. This is a very wallet friendly device, and it typically comes with a year's worth of filters.

3. It's easy to clean. There's no scooping out of grounds. There's no scouring out of that weird,

baked-on coffee sludge. With the AeroPress you simply remove the cap, press out the puck of grounds into the trashcan, and give the entire thing a good rinse.

4. Did we mention this thing is highly portable? Seriously, you really can take it virtually anywhere.

5. You can get really inventive with it. People have come up with some interesting ways to use an AeroPress. From different brewing types, to interesting recipes to try, to different grinds. The level of innovation here, while still producing a tasty cup of coffee, is actually quite impressive.

6. It's beginner friendly. There is nothing to be intimidated by here. Try it out, and you'll be amazed at how simple it is to use. Speaking of...

How To Use It

Step 1: Measure out your coffee. For a single cup, you'll want 17 grams of coffee. You're looking for a grind about as fine as table salt.

Step 2: Warm your water. You'll want to use approximately 220 grams of water. Heat to between 93 and 96 degrees Celsius.

Step 3: Prep your device and coffee cup. Get things in order, and ready to go, by inserting your chosen filter into the basket. Then, you'll want to preheat the brewer, as well as rinse the filter with hot water. This will help to eliminate any rogue elements that might interfere with the flavor purity of your coffee.

Step 4: Get rid of the water you used to rinse/warm your mug and other elements. Connect the basket to the bottom of the brew chamber. Place this on top of your mug. Then, using the funnel that came with the device, or a coffee loader, go ahead and add your coffee. Remove the funnel.

Step 5: If using a timer, you'll want to start it as soon as you begin to pour your hot water. The goal here is to fully saturate all your grounds within 10 seconds. If you measured your water beforehand, you'll want to pour a total of 220 grams of water. If you didn't measure, fill to the number 4 indicator on the side of your AeroPress. Give the chamber a little spin, and double check that all the coffee is now saturated.

Step 6: Once you've completed your pour, it's time to mix. Give it three good stirs. Then, it's time to place the plunger onto the brew chamber. Once connected, you'll need to pull up slightly to create that all important pressure seal.

Step 7: When your timer reads 1:15, it's time to remove the pressure seal. Give your mixture another stir. Then, put the plunger back on and gently press down. You'll want to do this slowly, with steady pressure. Listen for a hissing sound, when you hear it, immediately stop! The entire brew process should ideally take close to 2 minutes. You should be left with 7-8 ounces of some seriously good coffee.

Step 8: Sit back and enjoy your tasty cup of coffee. Give yourself a pat on the back, you just did that!